Tropical Storm Lala is moving toward the Hawaiian islands with plans to pass near the Big Island this Saturday. Forecasters expect the system to reach low-end Category 1 hurricane strength as it approaches. A hurricane warning is active for the Big Island, while Maui County remains under a tropical storm warning. Residents on Oahu and Kauai should monitor local alerts as a tropical storm watch is now in effect.
The storm currently tracks west-northwest at 12 mph. Dry air and wind shear make the storm lopsided, meaning the strongest winds exist primarily on its northern side. This orientation poses a significant threat to the island chain as the center nears land. Expect the system to remain in the central Pacific as a potential hurricane or typhoon well after it clears the islands on Monday.
Rainfall totals are a primary concern for the state. Maui and the Big Island face predictions of 8 to 12 inches of rain, with some areas seeing as much as 25 inches through Sunday. This volume of water creates a high risk for flash flooding and landslides, specifically in mountainous areas. Soil saturation from this rainfall will also increase the risk of downed trees when hurricane-force winds arrive.
Coastal areas should prepare for storm surge and rough surf throughout the weekend. Strong winds will likely cause power outages that could persist for days, especially across higher elevations and mountain passes. Officials advise all residents to finalize their safety plans and remain prepared for potential evacuations if conditions worsen.
This storm follows a period of warmer-than-average ocean temperatures and a strengthening El Nino pattern, both of which increase the likelihood of active weather in the central Pacific this year. While the system presents a clear danger this weekend, other activity in the Pacific, such as Tropical Storm Hernan, currently poses no threat to the state.